Staff at Red Roofs Residential Home on Grange Road, Newark launched the Make My Wish Come True scheme

A care home has created a heartwarming scheme which sees residents having their wishes granted.

The staff at Red Roofs Residential Home on Grange Road, Newark launched the — Make My Wish Come True scheme as part of their commitment to enhance the quality of life of their residents.

Each month, staff members work one-to-one with each resident and encourage them to share their wishes, and then do their best to make these come true.

Since the start of the scheme, they have fulfilled the dreams of Doreen, Jean and Pearl.

When Pearl decided to sell the bungalow she had shared with her husband for 64 years, staff wanted to help make the process easier for her.

Pearl had told them of the couple’s love of gardening and shared stories of how she had created a beautiful garden from scratch that had been enjoyed by their children and grandchildren.

Some of her roses had already been transferred to Red Roofs, but Pearl asked if she could create some hanging baskets for the care home.

She was accompanied to the local garden centre to pick the flowers and foliage and created several displays for the other residents to enjoy.

Another gardening fan, Jean lived with her husband in Eastbourne for over fifty years, and

spoke of the many happy hours they’d spent together growing flowers and vegetables.

Staff arranged for two polytunnels to be delivered so she could grow tomatoes like she used to.

Jean is often accompanied by her daughter who has inherited her mother’s love of gardening.

Doreen longed to attend the wedding of her grandson Mark but was sadly unable to make the almost three-hour journey.

The Red Roofs staff decided to bring the celebration to her and arranged an all-day party for Doreen, which included confetti, wedding cake and dancing.

All residents gathered to raise a glass of fizz to the happy couple.

Doreen had a pamper session for the occasion, and even recorded a special message to her grandson and his bride.

Trish Smith, Red Roofs manager, said: “Make my wish come true’ has been such a big success – seeing the joy on our residents’ faces makes it so worthwhile.

“It can remind people of happy memories or strengthen bonds with loved ones, and it provides mental stimulation and a sense of purpose.

“Perhaps most importantly, it shows that we value and cherish the things that have mattered in the past to the wonderful people in our home, and brings some joy to their lives.”

The team at the residential home are hoping to work more closely with the community to expand the scheme.

“We would love local people and businesses to support us in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for the people at Red Roofs and provide even more opportunities to make our residents smile,” said Trish.

“This could be through offering expertise, suggestions or resources. This isn’t just about granting wishes – it’s about enhancing the quality of life for those who have been part of this community for many years.”

She added: “The scheme has not only made Pearl, Jean and Doreen happy, but has created a positive ripple effect throughout our whole community.

“That’s a testament to the caring and welcoming environment we strive to create every day at Red Roofs, and I’d like to share my heartfelt thanks to the staff who have helped make these dreams come true.”